Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 1/30/2006

Question
Hi. Thanks for answer. From time to time all of us are not able to concentrate, and it also happens to me. However when i'm praying and realize, for example at the end of the rosary, that i didn't meditate and didn't get focused on a single mystery of the rosary, than it irritates me.
thanks!
Followup To
Question -
Hello George!

I'd like to ask you if it's a sin when you're not able to concentrate during prayers or when you attend a mass in the church. Is it a sin when your thoughts fly away somewhere else, to your daily problems for example, and you're not focused, you don't know for instance what the priest was saying or which prayer you prayed. It happens to me quite often when i pray at home that i'm not able to get focused. Is it a sin?
thanks
Answer -
         Peace
dear Luke,
   I would say it depends on the cause of the lack of concentration. We can be concerned about things but we should be "worried" about them.
    I hope this next part is not seen as being judgemental. I dont know you so I could be totally wrong. Perhaps some of distraction problems could caused by meds you are on. Or maybe you need to be on. Are you also unable to focus even other times outside prayer times? Maybe a medical doctor or other professional could be of help.
   If its just during prayer I can perhaps make some suggestions.

         In Christ,
         george

Answer
         Peace


dear Luke--
  I have a few suggestions for you. I believe we are all called to practice some form of mental prayer, accordding to Sacred Scriptures.
  The meditation/mental part of the Rosary. There are other forms of mental prayer. Below are some suggestions:

1. The Stations of the Cross
     There many sets of meditions for it. I kinda collect them. I have over 30. Each station has time for mental prayer.

2. There other Rosary then the one you probly are talking about in your question. Most can be said with same beads some are said are different set of beads. Three of my favorites include: Rosary of the Most Holy Spirit, Rosary of St Michael the Archangel (33 beads with special prayers for it), and the Franciscan Crown (70 beads).


3. Read some Scripture and meditate on 2 or 3 times a week and seek ways to incorprate its wisdom into your daily life.


4. Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou and the fruit of your womb Jesus, ______. Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Some of great minds and prayers of the Church give this suggestion. In the blank _________ after Jesus give title that relates to the mystery you are focusing on. For example: let say the mystery is Christ rising from the dead. You might say: Jesus the Source of Eternal Life. St Louis de Montfort, St Maxillian Kolbe, Blessed Theresa of Calacutta and even the late John Paul II suggested this method to bring the mind better focused.

5. Pray the rosasy in a group set, perhaps with your own family or friends.

6. Find some thing you can pray about daily and/or whenever you pray the rosary. I pray daily for people with cancer and for the conversion of Mormons and Masons.

         your servant in Christ
         george